Birdcage Lantern

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What does Baileys Harbor Light in Wisconsin, Selkirk Light in New York, Prudence Island Light in Rhode Island, and the Old Cape Henry Light in Virginia have in common?

Bailey’s Harbor Light, Wisconsin

 

Selkirk Light, New York

 

 

In addition to all being lighthouses, they are capped by what is traditionally referred to as birdcage lanterns. These lanterns were so named because they resembled wire birdcages. These lighthouses also represent some of the oldest lighthouses in the United States, their birdcage lanterns common to most lighthouses built before 1852.

 

 

 

 

Prudence Island Light, Rhode Island

 

Old Cape Henry Light, Virginia

 

However, when the Fresnel lens was introduced, most of the birdcage lanterns were replaced, unable to support the new style lens. Today only these four still exist, and all but the Bailey’s Harbor Light are still active aids to navigation since the US Coast Guard replaced their Fresnel lenses with smaller automated lights. Even the 1792 Old Cape Henry, the first lighthouse commissioned by the US Federal Government, is still in use today.

 

 

 

 

              Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”